Newdelhi:18/5/23:The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala launched the Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V in Karanja, Raigad, Maharashtra yesterday. The Sagar Parikrama Yatra Phase-V would be proceeding towards coastal regions are like Gateway of India, Karanja (Raigad District), Mirkarwada (Ratnagiri District), Devgad (Sindhudurg District), Malvan, Vasco, Mormugaon, Canacona (South Goa)
.In his address, Shri Parshottam Rupala highlighted the importance of PradhanMantriMatsyaSampadaYojna (PMMSY) scheme and other multidimensional activities of blue revolution. He emphasized about focusing on increasing fisheries production and productivity (for both inland and marine) and its associated activities, including infra development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements, etc. He requested volunteers to provide support in creating awareness of the schemes so that the beneficiaries can take benefit of the same. About 6000 fishermen, fish farmers and other dignitaries participated in the program at Karanja (Raigad Dist.) Shri Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS, OSD, Government of India highlighted on the importance given to fisheries sector by the Minister and special funds has been allocated for fisheries sector. Further he discussed about the projects sanctioned in Maharashtra under the schemes such as blue revolution and PMMSY i.e., Rs 140 Cr for fish harbour center, fish landing center etc. He thanked coast guards and Government of Maharashtra for supporting in the Sagar Parikrama programme.
Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Minister of Forest, Cultural Affairs, Fisheries, Government of Maharashtra, Hon’ble Shri Uday Samant, Minister of Industries, Govt of Maharashtra, Dr. Atul Patne, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), Government of Maharashtra, vi)Dr. J. Balaji, IAS, Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries), vii) Dr. SuvarnaChandrappagari, Chief Executive, NFDB, viii) Dr L.N Murthy, National Fisheries Development Board were also present on the occasion.
Phase I Programme of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ was organized in Gujarat, started on 5th March 2022 from Mandvi and ended on 6th March 2022 at Porbandar, Gujarat. The voyage Sagar Parikrama as Phase –II programme started on 22nd September 2022 from Mangrol to Veraval and ended at Mul Dwaraka, on 23rd September 2022 from Mul Dwaraka to Madhwad. Phase III Program of ‘Sagar Parikrama’ started on 19th Feb 2023 from Surat, Gujarat, and ended on 21st Feb 2023 at Sasson Dock, Mumbai. Phase IV program started from Mormugao Port, Goa on 17th March 2023 and ended on 19th March 2023 in Mangalore.
The impact of this Sagar Parikrama will be far reaching on the livelihood and holistic development of fishermen and fisher folks including climate change and sustainable fishing.